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An organ may become available at any time of the day or night. We also keep a file of all telephone numbers where patients may be reached. Please inform the transplant center of any changes so that we may contact you when necessary.
Patients usually do not return to the Hospital until the actual transplant. Any needed tests can be scheduled by the patient's primary doctor or, in the case of kidney transplants, through the candidate's dialysis facility. The transplant coordinator makes sure all needed tests are completed.
After a person is accepted, he or she is listed with the United Network of Organ Sharing.
The allocation of organs differs depending on the organ involved. For example, kidney allocation is based upon a point system which takes into account time on the waiting list, the degree of antigen match (how well the organ matches the patient) and blood type compatibility.
An organ may become available at any time, but because of the ongoing shortage of donor organs in this country, potential recipients may be on waiting lists for a year or more.
Because there are many emotional issues for potential transplant recipients and their families, the Transplant Program has an active patient support group. This group meets each month, and is open to everyone on the waiting list, as well as all patients who have already received transplants. All issues related to transplant can be discussed in this trusting, caring atmosphere.
In the case of kidney patients, the identification of possible living donors is an important part of the pre-transplant screening process. We encourage family members, spouses and friends to consider making this most precious gift.
Kidney donation is a safe procedure following an appropriate evaluation with a total hospital stay of two to five days. The transplant coordinator can answer specific questions about living donations.
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UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene
Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258
Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111
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